underwater

The images below were taken the ultra-talented underwater photographer Paul Caiger.

Known as the Strawberry Squid, this is one bejeweled beauty! Its body looks as if there are jewels covering it, therefore it is also known as the reverse jewel squid. Sampled from the ocean twilight zone, they explain that this mysterious ocean dweller can be found between "the sunlit surface layer and extending down to about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) deep." 

"The strawberry squid is a source of food for many of the large apex predators–such as sperm whales and Risso's dolphins–that dive down into the twilight zone to feed. "

Paul Caigar's Strawberry Squid image won the most-liked Instagram photo and crowned top "Instastar" from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's best of 2019.

(Photos by Paul Caiger, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

The winners of the 2020 Underwater Photographer of the Year were announced and the photos collection will take your breath away. Every single image is worthy of your attention as photographers pushing the technical and artistic boundaries of the genre. This year's contest was another record-breaker with entries rising to 5500 and the number of photographers also jumping up to 500.  

This competition is one of the most prestigious nature photo contests in the world and the winning images represent some of the best underwater photographs of the year. Photographers from 78 countries entered images to the different contest's categories, including two new ones- conservation and blackwater diving.  

Oceanographer and engineer Derya Akkaynak has come up with a breakthrough in the world of photography. During her post-doctoral work under Tali Treibitz at the University of Haifa, she developed an algorithm that can more or less "eliminate the water" from a photograph.

Seth Casteel is a Photographer, Author and Animal Activist ,also known as "the underwater dogs guy". Check out his beautiful photos underwater dogs.

 

Seth Casteel is a Photographer, Author and Animal Activist ,also known as "the underwater dogs guy". Check out his beautiful photos underwater dogs.

 

Juan Oliphant is a multi-talented photographer and ocean diver based in Haleiwa, Hawaii, United States. Juan focuses mainly on the ocean and underwater photography. He is also co-owner of One Ocean Diving and co-founder of Water Inspired Conservation Group. On his home page, he explains: "Photography is a tool, its the way I can speak up for them, a photo is worth more than a thousand words in every language, I try to capture as much feeling and evoke as much emotion as I try to evoke people to ask questions. I want to capture and share moments that start a conversation about the animals and the connection and relationship we have with them. I use my time, talents, and work around the world to help change people's fear of sharks into fascination and respect. I hope my images inspire you to take another look, questions perceptions, and join me to be the change to help save sharks and the ocean." For more, check out his beautiful instagram page. 

The 2018 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition announced its winners this week. The amazing pictures of beautiful sea creatures including crown fish, whales and squids are good reminders on the importance of ocean preservation. The full list of winning pictures are displayed at Underwater Photography Guide.